In my Nature Notebook...

"It was a lovely morning, when even the monkey-puzzle was bathed in sunshine. She clasped a branch in her hand and stood feeling its prickliness and looking up into the dark tower of the branches. It was like being in church. And yet on a day like this, one realised that it was a living thing too and had beauty, as most living things have in some form another. Dear monkey-puzzle, thought Miss Morrow, impulsively clasping her arms around the trunk.
     'Now, Miss Morrow,' came Miss Doggett's voice, loud and firm, '  you must find some other time to indulge in your nature worship or whatever it is. You look quite ridiculous. I hope nobody saw you.'
     'Only God can make a tree,' said Miss Morrow unexpectedly."

                                                       ~ Barbara Pym, Campton Hodnet